Carmelite Conversations continue in 2024 via zoom on the first Wednesday of the month from 10:30 – 12:00.
In August, Matthew Tonini OCarm, will address the topic of Discernment on the Carmelite Way.
The final admonition of the Carmelite Rule might be translated: “use discernment, however, the guide of the virtues.” The writer of the Rule, Albert of Jerusalem, recognises that ultimately all rules for Christian living and spirituality can only point the way. The personal relationship that God shares with individuals, communities and creation is dynamic and transforming. Discernment is relational, it is dialogue.
In my own experience of Carmelite life and ministry, my growing understanding of the practice of discernment involves being engaged in self-reflection to discover my relationship with God in this time and place. Discernment calls me into dialogue with my inner world of emotions, thoughts, memories and desires. Discernment is the practice of navigating this inner world with listening and conversation. A conversation that reveals the God whose love is transforming and bringing to life.
As I work with communities, I have become more aware that discernment moves beyond this personal and self-reflective experience into a communal experience. An experience that more and more we hear being talked about as synodality – the coming together of people to listen and dialogue in order to discover the promptings of the Spirit that lead toward the Way, the Truth and the Life.
In the August, Carmelite Conversation we will reflect on the ways of discernment through the lens of my Carmelite experience of life and ministry.
All are welcome to join. Please book below and make your contribution to the cost of providing these events through the link provided.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87113263503?pwd=SXNWeUFuclRYalM5RkN3b2kvcW5EUT09
Meeting ID: 871 1326 3503
Passcode: 940336
About the facilitator: Matthew Tonini is an Australian Carmelite friar who is passionate about living and sharing the riches of Carmelite spirituality – a way of entering more deeply into the mystery of human spirituality and relationship with God. He currently lives in the Coorparoo community and supports parish ministry as an Assistant Priest to the parish.
Dates and presenters for first Wednesdays in 2024
4 September – Paul Sireh OCarm – Melanesian Indigenous Spirituality
2 October – Daryl Moresco – St Titus Brandsma on the Mystery of God’s Nearness
6 November – Emily Rudov – Exploring the Carmelite spirituality of and entering the silence with Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity
4 December – Patricia Greene – John of the Cross
